Local trio on to 2A state tourney

Dixon's Kylian Lally will make a return trip to state, while Sterling's Bryant Lilly and Jaden Urrutia will make their first appearances at the state tournament.

The trio advanced out of the Class 2A Pontiac Sectional on Saturday. Urrutia was the runner-up at 113 pounds. Lilly took third at 220 and Lally fourth at 145.

Urrutia (21-5), a sophomore, dropped a 6-3 decison to Washington's Ethan Reel (40-5) in the 113-pound title tilt.

A veteran of IESA and fresh-soph state meets, Urrutia is thrilled to be making his first trip to state as a varsity competitor.

"It's definitely a lot bigger deal," said Urrutia, whose been to four IESA state tourneys and one fresh-soph state tourney. "I think I'll handle the pressure very well, because of my experience in state tournaments."

Lilly (30-11), a senior, made the move from 195 to 220 for the postseason in the hopes of bettering his chances to get to state. Lilly edged Washington's Jake Godinez 1-0 in his third-place match.

"We wanted to go up to 220, and it paid off," Lilly said. "We made a great move. All the work, and all the years I've put in, it's paying off."

Lally (32-6), a senior, was left wanting more than his fourth-place finish. He dropped an 8-5 decision to Pontiac's Vaughn Hobart in his third-place bout.

"I could have done better, but I'll come back next week and get it," Lally said. "Overall, I think I did all right. Hopefully I'll get everything worked out before state. I'm definitely confident. I feel like I can place. I'm shooting for top three."